Understanding Prostate Enlargement: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Introduction

The prostate is a small gland that helps make the fluid that carries sperm during ejaculation. It surrounds the urethra, the tube that lets urine leave your body.

When the prostate gets bigger, it’s called prostate enlargement. This is common as men age.

An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is not cancer and doesn’t increase your chances of getting prostate cancer.¹

Prostate Gland Structure

The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It’s an important part of the male reproductive system.

The prostate is made up of two types of tissue: glandular tissue (about two-thirds) and fibrous muscle tissue. It has three main zones:

• The peripheral zone, the largest part, where most prostate cancers start.
• The central zone, which surrounds the tubes that carry semen from the testes.
• The transition zone, which wraps around the urethra and often grows larger with age, causing conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

The prostate is surrounded by a protective layer called the fibrous capsule, which contains blood vessels and nerves. Its job is to produce fluid that helps nourish and protect sperm during ejaculation.²

Causes Of Prostate Enlargement

The exact cause of BPH isn't fully understood, but it's thought to be connected to hormonal changes that happen as men get older. After the age of 40, testosterone levels start to drop, while estrogen levels may stay the same or even go up. This imbalance in hormones can cause prostate cells to grow, leading to enlargement. Genetics also play a part—if a man has a family history of BPH, he is more likely to develop it himself.³

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia - Symptoms

Many men with an enlarged prostate experience symptoms that can be annoying, but some may not have any symptoms at all. Common symptoms include:

• Trouble starting to pee: Difficulty getting the urine flow started.³
• Weak urine flow: The stream of urine is not as strong as usual.³
• Needing to pee often: Having to go to the bathroom more, especially at night.³
• Feeling like the bladder isn’t fully empty: A sense that you still need to pee even after finishing.³
• Urgency: A sudden, strong feeling that you have to pee right away.³
• Dribbling: A little urine leaks out after you've finished peeing.³

These problems happen because the enlarged prostate presses on the urethra, making it harder for urine to flow properly.

Diagnosing Prostate Enlargement

To diagnose BPH, doctors usually start by reviewing your medical history and doing a physical exam. They may use a few different tests, including:

• Digital rectal exam (DRE): The doctor will feel the prostate through the wall of the rectum to check for any changes.⁴
• Blood tests: These check for a protein called PSA, which can be high in men with prostate issues, and also help check kidney function.⁴
• Urine tests: These helps rule out infections or other conditions that could be causing similar symptoms.⁴
• Ultrasound: This is an imaging test that looks at the health of your bladder and kidneys.⁴

Prostate Enlargement -- Treatment

Treatment for BPH depends on how bad the symptoms are and how much they affect your daily life. Options include:

Lifestyle Modifications for BPH treatment 

Simple changes can help ease symptoms:

• Drink less before bed to avoid waking up to pee during the night.
• Cut back on caffeine and alcohol since they can irritate the bladder.
• Exercise regularly to keep your body healthy and improve bladder function.
• Avoid straining when you pee, as it can tighten muscles and make it harder to urinate. After finishing, wait a moment and try again to fully empty your bladder. This is called double voiding.

Medications Used In Prostate Enlargement 

Several medications may help manage symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH):

• Alpha-blockers (e.g., doxazosin): These medications are designed to relax the muscles around the bladder neck and prostate, which may help improve urine flow.⁵
• 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (e.g., finasteride): These medications work by blocking the hormones that cause prostate growth, potentially helping to reduce prostate size.⁵

Please note: Always consult a healthcare professional before using any medication to manage symptoms.

Surgical Options

If medications don't work or if symptoms are very severe, surgery might be needed. The most common procedure is called transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). During this surgery, the doctor removes extra prostate tissue to reduce pressure on the urethra, making it easier to pee.⁶

Natural Herbal Supplement for Prostate Enlargement

Herbal supplements may help support prostate health and manage symptoms associated with BPH. If you want to support prostate health naturally, try the vegan food supplement Prost-X. This natural product is specially formulated to promote prostate health and urinary function. Its unique formula includes milk thistle (Silybum marianum) and Prunus domestica extract, which are known for their potential to support overall prostate well-being. The product is thoroughly laboratory-tested and free from harmful substances, added sugars, fillers, anti-caking agents, and artificial additives.

Scientific Studies

1. Prostate enlargement, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), occurs when non-cancerous tissue in the prostate grows, leading to issues with urination. This can cause symptoms like difficulty starting or stopping urination. Treatment options include lifestyle changes, medications (such as alpha blockers or 5-alpha reductase inhibitors), and surgery for more severe cases.⁷

2. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) causes urination problems and can block the flow of urine in older men. Treatment options include minimally invasive methods like lasers and other procedures, with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) being the most common and effective treatment.⁸

Conclusion

Prostate Enlargement (BPH) is a common condition as men age, causing symptoms that can affect urinary function and overall quality of life. While the exact cause is not fully understood, hormonal changes and genetics play a significant role. Treatment options range from lifestyle changes and medications to surgical procedures for severe cases. For those looking for natural support, herbal supplements like Prost-X may offer additional benefits. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action based on individual symptoms and needs.

References

1.Medline Plus. Enlarged prostate: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2021 [cited 2024 Dec 18]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000381.htm

2.Newman T. What is the prostate gland? [Internet]. Medicalnewstoday.com. Medical News Today; 2020 [cited 2024 Dec 18]. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319859#structure

3.Pennmedicine. Enlarged Prostate [Internet]. Pennmedicine.org. 2024 [cited 2024 Dec 18]. Available from: https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/enlarged-prostate

4.https://www.facebook.com/WebMD. What Tests Do I Need for BPH? [Internet]. WebMD. 2016 [cited 2024 Dec 18]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/men/prostate-enlargement-bph/tests-for-bph

5.Yu ZJ, Yan HL, Xu FH, Chao HC, Deng LH, Xu XD, et al. Efficacy and Side Effects of Drugs Commonly Used for the Treatment of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Associated With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Frontiers in Pharmacology [Internet]. 2020 May 8 [cited 2024 Dec 18];11. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7225336/

6.Malshy K, Eigner E, Ochsner A, Morgan J, Nsair A, Golijanin B, et al. Transurethral Resection of the Prostate in Younger Men: Effectiveness and Long-term Outcomes. Rambam Maimonides Medical Journal [Internet]. 2024 Apr 28 [cited 2024 Dec 18];15(2):e0006. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11065095/

7.Kishorebabu DA, S. Navya Sree, S. Purnima Chandralekha. A Review on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. World Journal of Current Medical and Pharmaceutical Research [Internet]. 2019 [cited 2024 Dec 18];192–7. Available from: https://wjcmpr.com/index.php/journal/article/view/41

8.Xie H, Liu Y, Zheng J. Advances in Minimally Invasive Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Journal of Biosciences and Medicines [Internet]. 2022 Jan 1 [cited 2024 Dec 18];10(10):1–12. Available from: https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation?paperid=120294